Dell PowerEdge 1500SC - Manual (Page 26)

Your system is shipped to you without the system password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, you should operate your system only with
system password protection.
You can assign a system password whenever you use the System Setup program. After a system password is assigned, only those who know the password
have full use of the system.
When the System Password option is set to Enabled, the system prompts you for the system password just after the system starts.
To change an existing system password, you must know the password (see " Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password "). If you assign and later
forget a system password, a trained service technician must remove the system cover to change a jumper setting that disables the system password feature
(see "
Disabling a Forgotten Password "). Note that this erases the setup password at the same time.
Assigning a System Password
Before you can assign a system password, you must enter the System Setup program and check the System Password option.
When a system password is assigned, the setting shown for the System Password option is Enabled. If the Password Status option is Unlocked, you can
change the system password. If the Password Status option is Locked, you cannot change the system password. When the system password feature is
disabled by a jumper setting on the system board, the setting shown is Disabled, and you cannot change or enter a new system password.
When no system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled (default) position, the setting shown for the System
Password option is Not Enabled and the Password Status field is Unlocked. To assign a system password, use the following procedure:
1. Verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.
2. Highlight the System Password option and then press .
3. Type your new system password.
You can use up to 32 characters in your password.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar key for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
The password assignment operation recognizes keys by their location on the keyboard without distinguishing between lowercase and uppercase
characters. For example, if you have an M in your password, the system recognizes either M or m as correct. Certain key combinations are not valid. If
you enter one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep. To erase a character when entering your password, press the key or the
left-arrow key.
4. Press .
5. To confirm your password, type it a second time and press .
The System Password option changes to Enabled. Your system password is now set. You can exit the System Setup program and begin using your
system.
Using Your System Password to Secure Your System
Whenever you turn on or reboot your system by pressing the key combination, the following prompt appears on the screen when the
Password Status option is set to Unlocked:
Type in the password and... -- press to leave password security enabled. -- press to disable password security. Enter
password:
If the Password Status option is set to Locked, the following prompt appears:
Type the password and press .
After you type the correct system password and press , your system completes the startup sequence and you can use the keyboard or mouse to
operate your system as usual.
If a wrong or incomplete system password is entered, the following message appears:
** Incorrect password. **
Enter password:
If an incorrect or incomplete system password is entered again, the same message appears.
The third and subsequent times an incorrect or incomplete system password is entered, the system displays the following message:
NOTICE: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system. However, they are not foolproof. If your data requires
more security, it is your responsibility to obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs.
NOTICE: If you leave your system running and unattended without having a system password assigned or if you leave your system unlocked so that
someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting, anyone can access the data stored on your hard drive.
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press to move to another field, or press at any time prior to
completing step 5.
NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until you restart the system by turning the system off and then on again.
NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password (see " Using the Setup Password Feature "), the system accepts your setup password as an alternate
system password.